The incident happened at the BP/Han-Dee Hugo's near the intersection of Hillsborough and Gorman streets. Around 7:15 a.m., officials said two people -- an employee and a delivery driver -- were inside the building when they heard a "cracking sound" coming from the ceiling and evacuated moments before the roof gave way.
No injuries were reported.
"They were very lucky," Raleigh Fire Battalion Chief Donald Williams said.
Williams said the pair could have been trapped had they remained inside for only a few more seconds.
He noted that buildings that suffer structural collapses must be stabilized before crews can safely search them.
The collapse sent doors, glass and merchandise flying out of the store. Some debris landed on Hillsborough Street, with merchandise scattered as far as 50 feet from the building.
"It doesn't look like a very big building, but with that much damage, you're talking minutes to maybe an hour just to get everything stabilized," Williams said.
Fire officials have not determined an official cause. Though rainwater accumulation on the roof is believed to be a possible factor, the cause remains under investigation. A city building inspector was at the scene Friday assessing the damage.
Photos of the aftermath
A manager told ABC11 that the gas station will remain closed for an extended period. Employees, however, will be able to continue working at another location.
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